Thursday, 6 October 2011

Destination Askew Road

A very pleasant stroll this morning to enjoy the delights of two, yes two, groovy new shops on Askew Road. First stop was Long Live Vintage at number 163.

The lovely proprietor, Kieran Williams, was very welcoming, orange juice or fizz at the ready, busily making a few final touches to the displays. The shop is bright and stylish, with a select range of women's clothes and some very good bags and shoes - mainly of a sixties/seventies feel I would say.

The highlight of our visit was discovering a very fine Burberry mac in exactly the cut we were looking for that fitted Jonathan like a glove.

In fact, with its pre-loved look, it could have been his for years! And even better, 10% all purchases today.

Next stop was the much anticipated Ginger Pig. Lovely.

Yes, there is a lot of meat, but it looks really good. I loved the deli side of the shop too, with baskets of eggs, homemade preserves, pies and patés.

STARCH GREEN is a small studio in West London, set up by artist-designers Jonathan Mercer and Kate Fishenden.

Our focus is on hand-made design, using craft skills to create artwork and objects that add positively to the pattern of life, balancing home and work and creating a feeling of well-being. Our strong commitment to family, work-life balance and applied art combines to deliver a range of distinctive pattern papers, illustrations, prints and products, and a human approach to design.

Our talents dovetail, both having skills in illustration, design and typography. Whilst Jonathan’s wood engravings are the source and inspiration for repeat patterns, prints and stationery, Kate brings in the art of silkscreen printing to create fine art prints and extend the work on to textiles. We collaborate on the design of products developed to enhance the pattern of life. Production centres around the Albion press in the shed, the kitchen table and the studio.

We also take commissions for repeat patterns, label design, illustration, bespoke social stationery and small print runs.

For more information or to arrange a viewing of the portfolio, please contact Kate Fishenden on 020 8749 6098 or by email.